More than 10 youth groups are scheduled to tour the Lincoln Funeral Train and Leviathan #63 Locomotive on display at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond on Oct. 8 and 9.

All different age groups will be visiting the exhibit, including schools, a junior honor society, and boy and girl scouts. The exhibit is open to the public from 10am to 7pm from Oct 8 to 11; scheduled youth groups will take first priority on Oct 8 and 9 from 10am to 3pm.

Some school groups will be visiting the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana to learn more about the Underground Railroad. Slaves that traveled the Underground Railroad had to use the night sky to navigate their way to freedom in the north. "After all, GPS didn't exist during those days," stated Rebecca Manis, Executive Director for the Challenger Learning Center of NWI. She continued, "We are excited to offer this opportunity to students during the 150th anniversary of the death of President Lincoln and partner with local schools and the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority for this history lesson."

Admission is $5; seniors (65+) and children (5-12) are $3 and children under the age of 5 are free.

Other events Associated with the Lincoln Train and Leviathan Locomotive:

A special presentation, "Lincoln on Leadership" will take place on Oct. 7 at 2pm inside the Indiana Welcome Center. Judge Kenneth L. Anderson will be giving the presentation and is noted historian and award-winning playwright on the life of Lincoln. "Lincoln on Leadership" is free and open to the public to the first 110 guests.

There will also be a book signing and lecture by Susan Gilbreath Lane beginning at 1 p.m. on Oct. 10. Gilbreath Lane edited and published journals of her great grandfather in the book, "Dignity of Duty." Her great-grandfather was a major from Valparaiso in the 20th Indiana Infantry and the journals detail the local men's service during the Civil War.

The Indiana Welcome Center is located at 7770 Corinne Drive in Hammond, Indiana. To learn about the Lincoln Funeral Train call 219-989-7770 or visit www.southshorecva.com/lincolntrain.